Natural Gas Pipeline Optimization

Abstract: In this chapter we introduce the reader with the problem of minimizing the fuel cost incurred by the compressor stations driving the gas in steady-state pipeline networks. This is one of the problems that has received most of the attention from both practitioners and researchers by virtue of its tremendous economical impact.

After presenting the basic mathematical framework and discussing the most important modeling assumptions, we establish the fundamental network topologies, discuss their importance in the selection of the solution technique, and present current solution methodologies based on dynamic programming. We conclude by highlighting the research potential of this exciting application area of operations research.